Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Disney’s The Jungle Book – Cast Photos of Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o and More
March 23, 2016Check out these brand new special shoot images featuring the cast of Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK featuring Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, Sir Ben Kingsley, Christopher Walken and Giancarlo Esposito. Each image pairs the actor with their onscreen character, as well as quotes. Idris Elba / Shere Khan Voiced by Idris Elba, Shere Khan bears the scars of man, which fuel his hatred of humans. Convinced that Mowgli poses a threat, the bengal tiger is determined to rid the jungle of the man-cub. “Shere Khan reigns with fear,” says Elba. “He terrorizes everyone he encounters because he comes from a place of fear.” Lupita Nyong’o / Raksha Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who cares deeply for all of her pups–including man-cub Mowgli, whom she adopts as one of her own when he’s abandoned in the jungle as an infant. “She is the protector, the eternal mother,” says Nyong’o. “The word Raksha actually means protection in Hindi. I felt really connected to that, wanting to protect a son that isn’t originally hers but one she’s taken for her own.” Scarlett Johansson / Kaa Kaa is a massive python who uses her voice and hypnotic gaze to entrance Mowgli. The man-cub can’t resist her captivating embrace. “Kaa seduces and entraps Mowgli with her storytelling,” says Scarlett Johansson. “She’s the mirror into Mowgli’s past. The way she moves is very alluring, almost coquettish.” Christopher Walken / King Louie King Louie is a formidable ape who desperately wants the secret of Man’s deadly “red flower”–fire. He’s convinced Mowgli has the information he seeks. “King Louie is huge–12 feet tall,” says Christopher Walken, who voices the character. “But he’s as charming as he is intimidating when he wants to be.” Giancarlo Esposito / Akela Akela is the strong …
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSaints & Sinners’ Jasmine Burke and Keith Robinson talk Viewership Increase & More
March 20, 2016A Chat with Actors Jasmine Burke and Keith Robinson from Saints & Sinners The second episode premiere telecasts of Bounce TV’s new original drama series Saints & Sinners reached 1.5 Million Viewers in the Second Episode Premiere Telecast, a 15% increase over the series debut, and set a new Bounce record for viewership Sunday, March 13. Sonya’s Spotlight publisher, Sonya Jenkins, spoke with Jasmine Burke, who plays Dr. Christie Johnson, (the daughter and only living child of Pastor and Mrs. Johnson, who tends to local patients but has her own private issues) and Keith Robinson, who plays Miles Calloway (a former R&B star, one hit wonder, now serving as the minister of music at Greater Hope) after the cast-mates heard the news of record-breaking viewership. “I am floating on Cloud 9,” Jasmine said. “I love the script, I love the writing and I’m excited to be a part of something that’s a first for Bounce Television.” Keith Robinson was just as enthused. “It is most rewarding that people are watching Saints & Sinners and that it is well received.” Both Jasmine and Keith, Georgia natives, gave me a little tea about the Saints & Sinners series during our chat, but wouldn’t tell me all the twists and turns for the upcoming episodes. Jasmine says the plot is like a crazy tornado and she even asked me, “Who killed my father [the pastor]? I want to know.” If she doesn’t know, I definitely don’t know. Keith, who says he’s vey similar to the character he plays on Saints & Sinners (except for the cheating portion), said that we all have a little saint and a little sinner in us, but admitted that he is surprised by some of the twists and turns in the script, just like Jasmine is. Guess we’ll have to watch the next episodes of Saints & Sinners, since Jasmine and Keith …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentTHE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT IN THEATERS MARCH 18
March 15, 2016THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT (Lionsgate) Synopsis: The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris [Shailene Woodley] and Four [Theo James] into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before. After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. Official Website: https://TheDivergentSeries.movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzn4MJdaabw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergent Twitter: https://twitter.com/Divergent Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedivergentseries Hashtag: #Allegiant Follow ‘DivergentSeries’ on Snapchat
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentWGN America’s “Underground” World Premiere
March 3, 2016WGN America hosted the world premiere of its highly anticipated escape thriller, “Underground” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, March 2. The red carpet event included a screening at The Theatre, which was immediately followed by an after-party with the cast, crew and VIP attendees on the hotel’s upstairs rooftop lounge. “Underground” premieres on Wednesday, March 9 at 10pm ET/PT on WGN America. The provocative and compelling series focuses on a group of courageous men and women who band together for the fight of their lives – for their families, their future and their freedom. Cast members in attendance included Jurnee Smollett-Bell; Aldis Hodge; Christopher Meloni; Alano Miller; Jessica de Gouw; Marc Blucas; Theodus Crane; Christopher Backus; Andrea Frankle; James Lafferty; PJ Marshall; Toby Nichols; Adina Porter; Renwick Scott; Maceo Smedley; Mykelti Williamson; Amirah Vann; Johnny Ray Gill; Reed Diamond; Darielle Stewart and more. Producers in attendance included Academy Award-winner/Executive Producer John Legend; Executive Producer/Creator Misha Green; Executive Producer/Creator Joe Pokaski; Academy Award-winning writer/Executive Producer Akiva Goldsman; Executive Producers Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius; Executive Producer/Director Anthony Hemingway and Composers Raphael Saadiq and Laura Karpman. Executives in attendance included Matt Cherniss (President/GM, WGN America and Tribune Studios); Steve Mosko (Chairman, Sony Pictures Television); Zack Van Amburg (President, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television), and Jamie Erlicht (President, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television). Celebrity guests included Angela Bassett (American Horror Story); Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl); Sterling K. Brown (American Crime Story); Neil Brown Jr. (Straight Outta Compton); Vanesa Bell Calloway (Actress); Tommy Davidson (Black Dynamite); Megalyn E.K. (Spyder Games); Michael Ealy (Secrets and Lies); Tory Kittles (Actor); Jazsmin Lewis (Actress); Omar Miller (Ballers); Pat Monahan (Recording Artist); Sheryl Lee Ralph (Instant Mom); Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Stitchers, NCIS); Amber Riley (Glee); Craig Robinson (Brooklyn …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe Sound of Music at Atlanta Fox Theatre March 1-6.
March 2, 2016The Sound of Music is an old-school love story that showcases music that soothes the soul. I didn’t know I was in for such a treat of heart-warming harmony and romance when I attended opening night of The Sound of Music at The Fox Theatre Tuesday, March 1 in Atlanta. But that’s just what I got. From the start of the production, I was drawn in by the story-line, and especially the title song, “The Sound of Music.” During intermission I overheard a young lady in her late teens tell another teen, “I wish it was that easy in real life – to just sing for someone and then he falls in love with you.” Her statement made me chuckle. In The Sound Of Music, the singing captured my attention, but the inspirational messages throughout the musical captured my heart. The Sound of Music is a heart-warmer for all ages. Sonya Jenkins Directed by three-time Tony Award®-winning Director Jack O’Brien, the spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family thrilled audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. The Sound of Music enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 (seen by over 44 million people); 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. Broadway in Atlanta offers discounted student rush tickets for “The Sound of Music” at the Fox Theatre March 1-3 For any local college students looking for a magical night at the theatre, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is offering a special $25 Student Rush Ticket …
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a commentZOOTOPIA in theaters March 4 – Chef G. Garvin Hosts Atlanta Screening
March 1, 2016About Zootopia: The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, sc am-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “Lilo & Stitch”) opens in theaters on March 4, 2016. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Celebrity Chef G. Garvin hosted an exclusive Zootopia screening in Atlanta on Saturday, February 27 at AMC Parkway Pointe. Chef G invited his friends, family and staff from his Atlanta based restaurants to AMC Parkway Pointe for a private afternoon screening of the film. Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher, Sonya Jenkins, was on hand to interview the Food Network star about why he chose to host the screening and his success tips. Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam and her husband former NFL player Ed Hartwell and Poet Hank Stewart were just a few of the guests who came out to watch Zootopia with Chef Garvin in a packed theater. #
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentKatt Williams Talks Challenges & More
March 1, 2016Article First Published April 3, 2013 Comedian Katt Williams (born Micah Sierra Williams) took time from his busy schedule to chat with Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag about his role in SCARY MOVIE V, as well as a few personal topics in an exclusive phone interview, April 4. Williams, who is no stranger to controversy, was in a vibrant mood – clearly excited about the release of SCARY MOVIE V, April 12 . Read on for my chat with the comedian. Sonya: How are you, Katt? Katt: I’m fine, thank you. How are you? Sonya: I’m doing great. I’m looking forward to seeing Scary Movie 5. I understand they added you to the movie after production. How did the role transpire for you? Katt: I was excited about the opportunity to do it and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me, so when you’re looking at a comedy generally you’re trying to figure out if you can make your mark comedically and this wasn’t one of those situations. This was a true no-brainer. The comedy was solid, the people that they went out and got to do the comedy were solid. So, it was just a matter of me coming in – delivering. Sonya: Of course it’s a spoof movie – and they show you stealing items out of someone’s house in the trailer – but in real life you’ve had some very controversial dealings lately – so, Katt, tell me, how similar is the role you play in Scary Movie to your real life? Katt: I have a nooo idea. That was a new one there. The character is a magician. But you’ve given us a new way that you can look at it. ‘He was actually stealing out of the house.’ The important thing is, ‘whatever …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentTHE BEST IN GOSPEL MUSIC SHINE ON AND OFF THE RED CARPET AT THE 31st ANNUAL
February 26, 2016ANTHONY BROWN MAKES TAKES HOME TOP HONORS AT THE STELLAR AWARDS WITH HISTORIC 10 TROPHY SWEEP Dubbed the greatest night in Gospel music, the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas turned “Sin City” into “Salvation City.” Celebrating 31 years, the Stellar Awards was co-hosted with comedic flair by Rickey Smiley(“Dish Nation,” Rickey Smiley For Real) and Sherri Shepherd (Ride Along 2, The View) during the 2-hour taped telecast premiering (March 6 at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT on TV One with encores aired at 8 p.m. ET and 10 p.m.) ET. The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, honors Gospel music icons and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the industry. Anthony Brown & group therApy made history on Saturday night as their album, “Everyday Jesus,” was blessed with 10 trophies during the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena. In a Stellar Awards first, the gospel songwriter-turned-singer and his group won each of its 10 nominations – a feat that hasn’t been done since Bishop Marvin Sapp’s 7 for 7 wins in 2009. Celebrating and honoring the best of Gospel music’s artists, writers and industry professionals, the Stellar Awards also honored Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago’s “Any Given Sunday” with four awards, with Tasha Cobbs rounding out the top three recipients with three honors for her album “One Place Live.” 10 for 10 Stellar Award Recipient Anthony Brown & Group Therapy on the Stellar Awards Red Carpet Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III, Courtesy of CCP/ FrontPage Firm CEO Don Jackson w/ wife Mrs. Rosemary President & COO Erma Gray Davis on the Red Carpet Photo Credit of Earl Gibson III , Courtesy of CCP/FrontPage Firm Stellar Award Winner Erica Campbell on the Red Carpet Photo Credit of Earl Gibson III, Courtesy …
Posted in On the Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe Kim Caldwell Show Highlights Super Bowl 50
February 6, 2016San Fran native Kim Caldwell with The Kim Caldwell Show is representing at Super Bowl 50 and has shared some of her photos with Sonya’s Spotlight. Check out a few of Kim’s photos below. More to be added.
Posted in TV News | Leave a comment47TH NAACP Image Awards – Celebs Share Instagram Photos
February 6, 2016Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Gabrielle Union, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Lee Daniels and More, share their 47th NAACP Moments via Instagram. Check out some of the photos, as well as the Winners, below. The winners of the “47th NAACP Image Awards” were announced during a live broadcast from Pasadena Civic Auditorium February 5, 2016, which aired on TV One (9-11 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed). The two-hour live special was hosted by Anthony Anderson. There was a one-hour live pre-show from the red carpet hosted by Terrence Jenkins and Tracey Edmonds. NAACP Chairwoman Rosyln Brock presented the NAACP Chairman’s Award to Brittany “Bree” Newsome; Justice League NYC; Concerned Student 1950 Collective at the University of Missouri, Columbia; The University of Mississippi NAACP College Chapter; Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III; Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley; Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, and Jussie Smollett. NAACP President Cornell William Brooks presented the NAACP President’s Award to John Legend. Some of the biggest names in film, television and music appeared including Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Gina Rodriguez, Kerry Washington, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tika Sumpter, Keegan-Michael Key, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Shameik Moore, Abraham Attah, Michael B. Jordan, Tracee Ellis Ross, Loretta Devine, Shonda Rhimes, Omari Hardwick, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sanaa Lathan, RonReaco Lee, Keke Palmer, Teyonah Parris, Michael Ealy, Tom Joyner, LeToya Luckett, Ken Jeong, F. Gary Gray and more. Also expected are cast members from “Empire” – Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Gray, Grace Gealy, Trai Byers, Serayah, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Kaitlin Doubleday, Lee Daniels, Danny Strong and more. The winners of the “47th NAACP Image Awards” in the non-televised categories were announced during a gala dinner celebration that took place Thursday, February 4, 2016, at the …
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